Lady Owls remain undefeated

There’s no question which team is tops among those in the Lynbrook athletic program at this juncture of the season. It’s the Lady Owls’ volleyball team.  

After a thrilling, come-from-behind, five-set victory over Plainedge Oct. 13, the Lady Owls are 12-0 in Nassau Conference A-II. Sophomore libero Nicole Milillo had 30 digs, two kills, and three aces to lead Lynbrook to a 16-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21, 26-24 win. Senior Nicolette Franco added 10 kills, seven aces, and seven digs.

First-year head coach Vanessa Jeremenko was proud to see her team rally back after being down a set. “We were without Kasey Keller, and had a few injuries, so we weren’t at full strength,” Jeremenko said. “We had to have other girls step in and pick up the slack. Plainedge has a tough, scrappy team, so it really was a big win.”

The Lady Owls, who won just two matches all of last season, started off 2011 with back-to-back sweeps of Valley Stream South and Bethpage, and haven’t looked back.

Keller has been tremendous at middle hitter. The senior captain is a terrific hitter and blocker, and also possesses a solid serve. Keller had 10 kills in consecutive matches against Great Neck South and Levittown Division.

Senior captain Annamarie D’Agostino (seven aces and five kills in a recent victory over Valley Stream South) has been consistent at the service line all season. Junior Amanda Coughlin, and sophomore Caroline Krendel, a player Jeremenko believes has a very bright future, provide depth at middle hitter.

Franco and junior Sydney Sullivan lead the way at outside hitter. Franco has a powerful, topspin serve that is difficult to return. Sullivan is a cerebral player who places her serves well and finds holes to hit to. Sophomore Michelle Pender and senior Leslie Rodriguez, one of the unsung leaders of the team, both see time at outside hitter.